Slow But Steady Growth for Dhadak 2
Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri’s romantic drama Dhadak 2 is gradually making its presence felt at the box office. The film, which is a sequel to the 2018 hit Dhadak, has shown a modest upward trend over its first two days. Despite being overshadowed by the buzz surrounding Son of Sardaar 2 and the box office dominance of Saiyaara, Dhadak 2 has managed to pull audiences in respectable numbers, bringing in a total of Rs 7.25 crore so far.
According to trade analyst Sacnilk, the film earned Rs 3.5 crore on its opening day. On Day 2, it witnessed a small yet significant 7.14% rise, adding another Rs 3.75 crore to its collection. The two-day total now stands at Rs 7.25 crore. While the growth may appear modest, it is a positive sign for a romantic drama facing stiff competition from larger commercial ventures.
Occupancy Trends Indicate Positive Word-of-Mouth
The overall Hindi occupancy on Saturday, the second day of release, was recorded at 25.81%. While this may not reflect blockbuster status, the detailed breakdown shows a clear increase in interest as the day progressed. The morning shows reported 11.73% occupancy, which improved in the afternoon to 25.61%. Evening shows went higher to 29%, and the best turnout was seen in the night shows, with 36.88% occupancy.
These figures suggest that the film is slowly gaining traction among moviegoers, especially those who prefer late-night or weekend screenings. With a strong digital and word-of-mouth push, the numbers may continue to climb through the week.
A New Chapter for the Dhadak Franchise
Dhadak 2 has a different creative and thematic tone compared to its predecessor. The original Dhadak, released in 2018, starred Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter in their debut roles and was a remake of the critically acclaimed Marathi film Sairat. Directed by Shashank Khaitan, the first film brought attention to caste-based discrimination and interclass romance within an emotional family drama.
In contrast, Dhadak 2 stars Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri as Neelesh and Vidhi, two star-crossed lovers from different caste backgrounds. While the narrative retains the theme of forbidden love, the execution is more intense and dramatic. The sequel has been directed by a new filmmaker, introducing a fresh take on the franchise while attempting to retain the emotional depth that made the original successful.
Delay in Release After CBFC Hurdles
Dhadak 2 was initially scheduled for release in November 2024. However, the film faced multiple delays, largely due to issues with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). Reports suggest that the board flagged certain scenes and dialogues that it deemed sensitive or potentially controversial. After months of discussions, the filmmakers agreed to several modifications and cuts, allowing the movie to finally hit screens in August 2025.
While such delays often dampen public interest, the anticipation remained steady due to the film’s strong trailer, music launch, and the rising popularity of its lead pair.
Strong Performances Elevate a Familiar Story
Siddhant Chaturvedi, best known for his breakout role in Gully Boy, brings a grounded intensity to his portrayal of Neelesh. His character’s struggle with societal norms and inner conflict adds emotional weight to the film. Triptii Dimri, who earned acclaim for her performances in films like Bulbbul and Qala, delivers another memorable role as Vidhi. Their chemistry on screen is both natural and emotionally resonant.
Together, they manage to carry the film through some of its more melodramatic sequences, keeping audiences invested in their journey. Critics have noted that while the storyline isn’t groundbreaking, the performances elevate the material significantly.
Facing Competition from Commercial Giants
The release of Dhadak 2 has coincided with the theatrical run of Son of Sardaar 2 and Saiyaara, both of which are drawing large crowds. Son of Sardaar 2, led by Ajay Devgn and Mrunal Thakur, has already neared the Rs 25 crore mark in three days. The film’s mix of action and comedy has made it a mass favorite, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
Meanwhile, Saiyaara continues its historic run, entering its third week with nearly Rs 300 crore in domestic collections. Featuring newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, the film has resonated with younger audiences and family viewers alike, making it a juggernaut in the box office landscape.
Against this backdrop, Dhadak 2 is fighting an uphill battle. Yet, its current pace and audience appreciation suggest that it might be able to sustain a respectable run through the week, especially if it can hold on to its screen share.
Music and Cinematography Draw Praise
One of the standout features of Dhadak 2 is its music. The soundtrack, composed by a mix of new-age and seasoned musicians, captures the emotional essence of the film. Songs like “Tere Bina” and “Saanjh Mein” have become instant hits, resonating well with both radio listeners and streaming audiences. The background score complements the visuals, heightening the emotional beats of the film.
Visually, the film is a treat. Shot across locations in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, Dhadak 2 offers stunning landscapes that provide a rich backdrop to the unfolding drama. The use of natural light and earthy color palettes enhances the realism and raw emotion of the story.
Industry Expectations and Future Prospects
While Dhadak 2 has not opened to huge numbers, the industry remains hopeful. The romantic drama genre has seen a revival in recent years, and the current box office numbers show that there is still an audience for love stories rooted in realism. If the film can maintain steady weekday collections and show another jump over the next weekend, it may cross the Rs 10 crore milestone by Day 3 or Day 4.
Trade experts also point out that the film’s satellite and streaming rights have already been sold at profitable rates, ensuring that the makers are on track to recover costs even if theatrical earnings remain moderate.
Critical Response: A Mixed Bag
Initial reviews for Dhadak 2 have been mixed. Some critics appreciate the film’s honest attempt at portraying social issues and emotional depth. Others feel the narrative is too familiar and lacks the raw impact of the original. However, most reviews agree that the performances by the leads and the music elevate the overall experience.
The film has found favor among younger viewers and urban audiences, which could result in stronger mid-week occupancy, particularly in metro cities and multiplexes.
Looking Ahead
As Dhadak 2 steps into the crucial first week post-release, all eyes are on its performance in the coming days. Whether it becomes a sleeper hit or fades in the shadow of its competitors will largely depend on word-of-mouth and sustained audience interest.
Regardless of the outcome, the film marks an important entry in the careers of Siddhant Chaturvedi and Triptii Dimri, as well as a renewed attempt by Bollywood to revisit love stories with a social core. For now, the journey of Dhadak 2 at the box office continues, aiming for that Rs 10 crore mark and beyond.
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